Dali yuanbao coins are found almost exclusively in the
north-western region of Xinjiang, China. Recent studies have proved
that these coins were made in the state of Qiuci (modern-day Kucha)
by Chinese officials during the eighth century, when Tibetan forces
blocked the route between mainland China and Central Asia. Although
Dali yuanbao coins were not made in mainland China, loyal
Chinese officials in far-off Kucha heard there was a change of
reign period and cast new coins with the new reign period in the
inscription.